Speeds measured with Stalker ProSports radar gun. Fuel consumption (gallons per hour) measured with Floscan digital fuel-flow meter on gas inboards, sterndrives, and outboards, TechMate electronic scan tool on gas EFI inboards, Caterpillar digital fuel-flow meter on diesel engines, or permanently installed fuel-monitoring equipment. Range is based on 90% of published fuel capacity. Sound levels determined using Radio Shack digital decibel meter on A scale. 68 dBA is the level of normal conversation.

Performance Chart

Test Conditions

Standard and Optional Equipment

Systems
Air Cond./Heat
CD Stereo
Head: Fixed
Shore Power
Trim Tabs
TV/DVD
Water Heater
Galley
Coffeemaker
Microwave
Refrigerator
Stove
Exterior Features
Arch: Electronics
Carpet: Cockpit
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Swim Ladder
Swim Platform
Transom Shower
Wet bar
Canvas
Bimini Top
Camper Back
Cockpit Cover
Full Canvas
Boats More Than 30 Feet
Generator

= Standard = Optional

Larson Cabrio 274

By Capt. Rob Smith

Larson’s entry level cruiser has been a real popular machine. They have had more success with it than they imagined. One dealer in Europe sold 40 last year alone. They are producing 300-400 per year and have seen a small, although still significant in today’s market, increase in sales for their 27-29’ market due in large part to this model. This model is perfect for the boater that is ready to move up from the comforts of day boating with a runabout or cuddy to more time aboard with weekends as an option. The other motivating point for this model is it still is a trailerable model. Larson compliments this design with lots of stainless steel features for looks and durability. Rub rails, thru hulls, and extra sturdy bow rails are a few of those features. You also don’t have to give up the water toys. This model still has get up and go, so they have a ski tow mounted in the stern! An optional arch, air conditioning and a generator so you can enjoy it away from the dock are popular options.

From the stern

Larson offers an extended swim platform as well as a snap-on carpet cover for it. I like the extended platform option, but I am not sure about the carpet there. The hull has a 24” deep integrated swim platform that the extended platform augments. Shore services are brought into the starboard corner with the exception of the waste pump out which is segregated out to the port corner. You do have a standard swim shower so you can rinse off before heading into the cockpit. Larson wisely placed the battery switches just inside the transom door. This makes them easy to reach whether you pull all the canvas off or not.

In the cockpit

In the cockpit, some enhancements are obvious. The 274 now sports a standard dual voltage refrigerator/freezer in the cockpit wet bar. There is a carry-on cooler so you can keep the icy stuff really cold. The cockpit has 32” of interior freeboard and about 60” from gunwale to gunwale giving you extraordinary space for an entry level trailerable boat. The cockpit is designed with a single level all the way to the companionway door. Optional camper canvas will extend your enjoyment into the cooler months. The engine access is a manually opened hatch, but is well balanced. My test boat had the optional Comfort Package with air conditioning and a CO Safe Westerbeke generator so you don’t have to stay tethered to the dock if you want to spend the night in the summertime. Even with the genset, you have reasonable access to all check points around the engines.

Back up topside, the stern seating is removable, making room for fishing, if you like. Forward is a port side lounger and a double wide helm seat with bolster. The slide adjustment on the helm seat hit the back of my legs when I was standing to drive, but otherwise it was comfortable. Visibility while driving was good. I looked through the windshield above the dash while seated and over the windshield frame when getting up on plane or when wanting a little more breeze through my hair. Instruments were located for easy view with room for adding some equipment like a GPS. Trim tab switches were just ahead of my fingertips when using the throttle, great location. A stereo remote and an auxiliary input jack are under the wheel so you can control the tunes. On the bow, the lounger is standard, something you usually don’t get on an entry level pocket cruiser.

Going down

Stepping into the cabin, you have a convertible V-berth and a mid or aft cabin with a double bed. You have about 32” of space from the mattress to the cabin ceiling. There is a port you can open for air or to check on the kids from the cockpit. It is a squeeze for me at 6’ and over 235 lbs., but the kids are going to love it. The head is on the starboard side, underneath the helm. It sports 60” from cabin sole to cabin ceiling. While not true standup room, it does give you enough space to get in, shower, and get out. Larson only installs VacuFlush heads on their cruisers, no porta-potties! The compact galley and head both have modern looking fixtures. The galley has the basics with some added storage in a pantry locker across from it next to the head. Once again, the appliances are all stainless steel. In the dinette, when using it to relax in, you have reading lights, or for onboard entertainment they have upgraded to a 19” optional flat screen TV. Add the optional 7000 BTU air conditioner and I’m ready for the weekend!

Specifications

The Cabrio 274 measures 28’ on the centerline with pulpit. She is 8’6” in the beam and tips the scales at 6000 lbs. dry. This model carries 85 gallons of fuel. Bridge clearance with the optional radar arch is 9’ and is 7’ without the arch. Draft is 34” maximum, 28” minimum. Multiple engine choices range from a diesel 260 hp engine from Volvo Penta on to gas engines from Volvo Penta and MerCruiser up to 375 hp.

Test results

The Cabrio 274 has a Duo Delta Conic stepped hull design which will give you an extra knot or so. The boat ran smooth and responded well in hard-over turns. In choppy conditions she was comfortable due to the sharp entry forward. The hull has wide chine flats which give her lift and also throws the spray down keeping her crew dry. When rough weather approached we put the hammer down, getting up on her pad aft which helps her scoot. We easily outran the front coming in and clocked a top speed of 49.9 mph at 4720 rpm. Her time to plane was 5.3 seconds on average with an average time to 30 mph of 10 seconds. At a comfortable cruising speed of 33.1 mph she gets 2.13 miles per gallon for a range of 163 miles.

Larson’s Cabrio 274 is their entry level cruiser and it has been selling like hotcakes, especially in the European market. This trailerable cruiser is perfect for the boater moving up from the runabout life with maybe a cuddy cabin to the joy of a more comfortable cruising life. Larson delivers more of the standard features you want than other designers in her class. Be sure to add it to your short list to see for yourself.